Questions over Josh Allen's powerful influence in Buffalo have resurfaced after reports of his control over protections and snaps allegedly frustrated members of the Bills coaching staff
Josh Allen warms up before an NFL game
Reports suggest frustration with the Buffalo Bills over Josh Allen's offensive power
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The Buffalo Bills' power hierarchy may be clear on paper, but resurfaced observations from reporters have again highlighted quarterback Josh Allen's influence within the franchise relative to team leadership.
A resurfaced report about Allen's control over pre-snap protections on Monday revived questions about how much authority the franchise quarterback has under first-year head coach Joe Brady.
The Bills' job is Brady's first head-coaching role after 13 years leading offensive groups. Allen has played all eight years of his NFL career in Buffalo and held the team captain role for the last seven seasons.
Meanwhile, the internet roasted Dallas Cowboys DC Christian Parker for not liking them filming his unit during practice.
The discussion traces back to reporting by The Athletic, which revived suspicions that Allen's ability to dictate pass-protection decisions freely has occasionally frustrated members of the Bills' coaching staff.
"I think that is an interesting transition to make, when clearly before with Sean McDermott, he was in charge, also a defensive pedigree. I'm sure he went along with a lot of stuff Josh Allen wanted to do, but there was a little bit more of a check and balance there, I think," The Athletic's Mike Sando said on Sirius XM.
"And so now, what does it mean? Is Josh Allen more empowered? I've heard whispers and people complaining a little bit in the league about the fact Josh Allen gets to do the pass protections how he wants them."
"I think that's been a little bit of a source of frustration on the staff, at times, in the past. Is that a good or a bad thing, if that's enabled more?"
Allen was heavily involved in the team's offseason head-coaching search and sat in on interviews as the franchise spoke with heavy hitters, including Brian Daboll and Mike McDaniel, before deciding on Brady.
The Bills franchise QB reportedly had major input in hiring Brady, but one account said Allen was "coddled by his past two OCs," who were Brady and Dallas Cowboys pass game specialist Ken Dorsey.
Center Connor McGovern admitted Allen played an important role in his decision to sign a four-year, $52 million extension. Allen cited the offensive lineman's synergy with his protection-call preferences as a reason he's happy about the player's return.
“Protection calls, having someone I can lean on and rely on. Just the comfort of his personality, too," Allen said after the deal was official. "Being able to joke with him and kind of know the ins and outs. So it’s a very familiar feeling. It’s awesome."
Josh Allen gives orders to the offensive line against the New England Patriots
Reports suggest Allen is criticized for his pass protection adjustment power
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The Bills QB admitted he phoned GM Brandon Beane as free agency approached after McGovern called him with doubts about being re-signed. Owner Terry Pegula sits above Beane in the pecking order, with Beane controlling football operations and Brady reporting to him.
Allen was upset after Buffalo's 33-30 overtime playoff loss to Denver and believes his performance was the catalyst for McDermott's firing. He still insisted on having complete faith in the organization's decision to lead the franchise toward its Super Bowl aspirations.
McDermott and Allen went 98-50 in the regular season. The duo reached the playoffs eight times in nine years and won five consecutive AFC East titles.
An 8-8 playoff record, four eliminations courtesy of the Kansas City Chiefs, and six one-score postseason defeats helped push Buffalo toward a new direction. The Bills are also facing early complaints about obstructed sightlines at its new $2.1 billion Highmark Stadium.